Dr. Grey AI

Danshen

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is one of the most widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs for cardiovascular health. Contains tanshinones and salvianolic acids with demonstrated anticoagulant, antioxidant, and vasodilatory effects. The largest herbal medicine market in China. Compound Danshen Dripping Pills are used for angina. Human evidence exists but many studies are of lower quality. Important: Strong interaction with warfarin and other blood thinners.

Quick Answer

What it is

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is one of the most widely used Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs for cardiovascular health. Contains tanshinones and salvianolic acids with demonstrated anticoagulant, antioxidant, and vasodilatory effects.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Angina Symptoms
  • Grade C: Stroke Recovery
  • Grade C: Antiplatelet Activity

Safety

  • Important: Strong interaction with warfarin and other blood thinners.
  • This effect is both potentially therapeutic and a significant drug interaction safety concern, particularly with warfarin.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Danshen

Quick Facts: Danshen

  • Best Evidence:Grade B
  • Conditions Studied:5
  • Research Outcomes:9
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Cardiovascular Disease
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B1
C2
D6
5 conditions · 9 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
B
Angina Symptoms
Multiple Chinese clinical trials of Compound Danshen Dripping Pills report reduced angina frequency and improved ECG findings when used as adjunct therapy. Study quality is generally moderate, and most evidence comes from Chinese-language literature with methodological limitations.
moderate↓Improves
C
Stroke Recovery
Some Chinese clinical trials suggest danshen as adjunct therapy may improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke. Animal models demonstrate neuroprotective effects of tanshinone compounds. Trial quality is variable, and most evidence comes from Chinese-language literature with limited methodological rigor.
5 studies
small↑Improves
D
Cancer Cell Proliferation
Tanshinone I inhibited cervical cancer cell metastasis by inducing mitophagy and reprogramming mitochondrial metabolism in vitro (PMID:35124382). A review of Salvia miltiorrhiza in cancer suggests potential roles in regulating microRNAs and epigenetic enzymes (PMID:36172186). All evidence is preclinical; no human cancer trials exist.
small↓Worsens
D
Seizure Susceptibility
Tanshinone IIA demonstrated anticonvulsant activity in both zebrafish and mouse seizure models (PMID:23937066). No human clinical trials have been conducted for epilepsy or seizure disorders.
small↓Worsens
D
Immune Function
A preclinical study demonstrated that Salvia miltiorrhiza root extract alleviated cold-induced immunosuppression in an animal model (PMID:39273376). No human trials have evaluated danshen for immunomodulatory effects.
small↑Improves
C
Antiplatelet Activity
Human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies confirm that danshen compounds potentiate the effects of antiplatelet agents including clopidogrel and aspirin. A rat study (PMID:30710735) demonstrated altered pharmacokinetics of dual antiplatelet therapy. This effect is both potentially therapeutic and a significant drug interaction safety concern, particularly with warfarin.
moderate↓Worsens
D
Atherosclerosis Progression
In preclinical models, danshen compounds reduce oxidized LDL and inhibit smooth muscle cell hyperplasia after vascular injury (PMID:11367667). Magnesium lithospermate B protects human aortic endothelial cells from free radical damage in vitro (PMID:15250206). Human translation of these anti-atherogenic effects has not been established.
small↓Worsens
D
Bone Mineral Density
A review of preclinical evidence (PMID:25109459) identifies Salvia miltiorrhiza as a source of compounds with anti-osteoporotic potential in animal models. One clinical study using point injection of red sage root extract reported improved hip joint function in patients with ischemic femoral head necrosis (PMID:19526810). Oral supplementation data in humans is lacking.
small↑Improves
D
Kidney Injury Risk
In a rat model, tanshinone IIA attenuated contrast-induced nephropathy via Nrf2 antioxidant pathway activation (PMID:29763899). A network pharmacology study with experimental validation explored mechanisms of the danshen-containing formula Shenkang in chronic kidney disease (PMID:31386888). Human clinical data for renal protection is absent.
small↓Improves

Research Citations (11)

Therapeutic Potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza Root Extract in Alleviating Cold-Induced Immunosuppression
(2024)
PMID: 39273376
Tanshinone I inhibits metastasis of cervical cancer cells by inducing BNIP3/NIX-mediated mitophagy and reprogramming mitochondrial metabolism
(2022)
PMID: 35124382
Salvia miltiorrhiza in cancer: Potential role in regulating MicroRNAs and epigenetic enzymes
(2022)
PMID: 36172186
Prediction of the mechanisms of action of Shenkang in chronic kidney disease: A network pharmacology study and experimental validation
(2020)
PMID: 31386888
Impact of the Chinese herbal medicines on dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics outcomes and related mechanisms in rats
(2019)
PMID: 30710735
Tanshinone IIA Attenuates Contrast-Induced Nephropathy via Nrf2 Activation in Rats
(2018)
PMID: 29763899
Salvia miltiorrhiza: an ancient Chinese herbal medicine as a source for anti-osteoporotic drugs
(2014)
PMID: 25109459
Tanshinone IIA exhibits anticonvulsant activity in zebrafish and mouse seizure models
(2013)
PMID: 23937066
Effect of point injection of red-sage-root on the hip joint function in ischemic femoral head necrosis patients
(2009)
PMID: 19526810
Effect of magnesium lithospermate B on endothelial cells in human aorta after free radical injury
(2004)
PMID: 15250206

Related Supplements

Phosphorus

4 shared conditions · 6 outcomes

Phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body (after calcium), essential for bone, ATP energy, DNA, and cell membranes. SUPPLEMENTATION RARELY NEEDED - most diets provide adequate/excessive phosphorus. EXCESS is the concern (cardiovascular risk, bone loss). Deficiency rare except in alcoholism, antacid overuse, refeeding syndrome. High phosphorus intake (especially from processed foods/soft drinks) may actually harm bone and cardiovascular health. Focus on getting phosphorus from whole foods, not supplements.

Vitamin C

3 shared conditions · 262 outcomes

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin and a very popular supplement due to its antioxidant properties, safety profile, and low price. Many people supplement with vitamin C because it is believed to reduce symptoms of the common cold.

Flavanols

3 shared conditions · 5 outcomes

Flavanols are a subclass of flavonoids found abundantly in cocoa, tea, apples, grapes, and berries. Includes catechins, epicatechins, and their polymers (procyanidins). NO GRADED OUTCOMES in this entry - see cocoa and green tea for specific evidence. The COSMOS trial (21,442 participants) found cocoa flavanols reduced cardiovascular mortality. EFSA approved health claim: 200mg cocoa flavanols daily helps maintain normal blood vessel elasticity. Mechanism: increase nitric oxide, improve endothelial function, lower blood pressure. Important distinction: flavanols (with an 'a') are different from flavonols (quercetin, kaempferol).

Essential fatty acid (EFA)

3 shared conditions · 12 outcomes

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are polyunsaturated fats that humans cannot synthesize and must obtain from diet. Two families exist: omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid/ALA) and omega-6 (linoleic acid/LA). NO GRADED OUTCOMES in this database - see specific supplements (fish oil, omega-3, omega-6) for evidence. Omega-3s (EPA, DHA) have extensive cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory evidence. Most Western diets are omega-6 heavy; increasing omega-3 intake is generally recommended. The omega-6:omega-3 ratio matters for inflammation balance. Deficiency is rare but causes dermatitis, poor wound healing, and growth impairment.

Cyanidin

3 shared conditions · 10 outcomes

Cyanidin is a type of anthocyanin pigment found in dark berries, purple vegetables, and black rice. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) is the most studied form. Shows promise for blood glucose regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic health. Notable for potentially improving glucose uptake without impairing muscle protein synthesis (unlike some AMPK activators). However, bioavailability is a major concern - most cyanidin is rapidly metabolized. Human evidence is limited despite promising in vitro data.

L-Carnitine

3 shared conditions · 558 outcomes

L-carnitine can relieve leg pain in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and treat some aspects of metabolic syndrome. Although it’s often also used for fat loss, its effectiveness for that is questionable.

Whey Protein

2 shared conditions · 197 outcomes

Whey protein is one of the two high-quality proteins derived from cow’s milk (casein being the other). Its high digestibility, quick absorption, and well-researched benefits for muscle gain and cardiometabolic health make it a popular protein supplement among athletes and older adults.

Vitamin K2 (MK-7)

2 shared conditions · 10 outcomes

Vitamin K2 MK-7 (Menaquinone-7) is the most bioavailable form of vitamin K2, derived from natto (fermented soybeans). Unlike vitamin K1, MK-7 has a long half-life allowing it to reach extrahepatic tissues including bone and vasculature. Clinical trials demonstrate benefits for osteocalcin carboxylation, bone mineral density preservation in postmenopausal women, and arterial stiffness reduction. MK-7 activates proteins (osteocalcin, matrix Gla protein) that direct calcium to bones and away from arteries.